Blissfully Yours (Mills & Boon Kimani) (15 page)

Chapter 28

T
he harpist softly strummed her harp strings, playing Bach as the guests arrived. Ed had hired local islanders as extras, so every chair at the ceremony was filled. The outdoor pool area was decorated with white and lavender roses. Large lavender bows were tied to the backs of white chairs and the gazebo was draped with white and lavender chiffon fabric that floated on the midday breeze. The entire scene looked like something out of a fairy tale.

Brandon sat in the last row, taking in the idyllic surroundings. He looked down at the lavender runner and couldn't believe Ayana would be walking down that aisle on her way to marry another man. She had said that the proposal was for ratings and that she had told Erick before that she couldn't marry him. But clearly that was one big lie.

How did things go so wrong?
he thought. Brandon reached in his shirt pocket and took out the airline napkin. He gently unfolded it and read the front:
Blissfully Yours, B.
Then he turned it over and read Ayana's writing:
Blissfully Yours, A.
He put the napkin to his lips and kissed the ruby-red lip imprint that she had made. Brandon knew this would be the last time he kissed her lips. His heart ached, but there was nothing he could do about it. Now he wished like hell that he had listened to what she had to say when she'd called his room earlier. She could have been calling to tell him that she wasn't going through with the wedding, but now he would never know. It was too late for should've, would've, could'ves. He refolded the napkin and put it back in his pocket. That memento was all he had left from their time together and he planned on cherishing it forever. As he was sitting there feeling forlorn, his cell phone vibrated. Brandon's heart started racing faster, thinking it might be Ayana. He quickly retrieved the phone from his pocket and looked at the caller ID. His heart stopped racing. It wasn't Ayana; it was his agent.

“Hey, Mario, what's up?”

“Hi, Brandon. My assistant told me you called. Sorry I'm just getting back to you, but I was in Italy on my honeymoon.”

Damn! Is everybody getting married but me?
“Congratulations, man. I didn't even know you were engaged.”

“Well, it wasn't a long engagement. We met at an industry function and had an instant attraction. I just knew she was the woman for me, and I didn't want to wait around and chance somebody else swooping in and stealing my lady.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Brandon said, looking straight ahead at the altar.

“Well, I didn't call to talk about my honeymoon. I have great news for you.”

“Good. I could use some good news right about now,” he said.

“It's a good thing you only signed on to work on
Divorced Divas
for one season,” Mario said.

“And why is that?”

“I have an awesome deal on the table for you. It's directing a
60 Minutes
–type show for one of the majors. If you want the job, I can start negotiations right away.”

“Hell yeah, I want the job! The sooner I leave this train wreck of a show, the better.”

“Excellent. I'll contact the executives at the station and get the paperwork going.”

“Thanks, Mario, for coming through for me.”

“Hey, man, that's why I get paid the big bucks.” He laughed and then said, “Oh, I forgot to ask—why did you call?”

Brandon was momentarily so caught up with the news of his new gig that he forgot all about mentioning Ayana to his agent. For a split second he thought about forgetting the favor. Now that she was marrying a rich Swiss banker, she probably wouldn't be interested in pursuing an acting career. However, he had made a promise to her and planned on keeping it.

“Are you taking on any new clients?”

“Yes, I'm always looking for talented people. Why? Do you have someone in mind?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. Saturday Knight is looking for representation. She...”

“Oh, wait right there,” Mario said, cutting him off. “I said I'm looking for talent. I'm not interested in repping a soiled reality-show diva.”

“See, that's where you're wrong.” Brandon lowered his voice and put his hand over his mouth, careful not to be overheard. “Saturday Knight is a fake persona that Ayana Lewis puts on for the show.”

“What? Who's Ayana Lewis?” Mario asked, confused.

“That's Saturday's real name. Ayana is a sweetheart and is nothing like the person you see on television.” As Brandon defended his former lover, he realized that he was still in love with her.

“Wow. So you're telling me that whole routine is nothing but an act?”

“Yep, Ayana is a natural actress and would be an asset to your roster,” Brandon said, singing her praises.

“I would definitely say so. I really thought that was her true personality. Man, she had me fooled. Have her call my assistant and set up an appointment so we can talk.”

“Listen, why don't I just give your assistant Ayana's number instead?” Brandon suggested. He didn't know if or when he and Ayana were going to speak again, and he didn't want to stand in the way of her career.

“That'll be fine. Talk to you later.”

“Okay, goodbye.” Although he and Ayana were no longer together, he was happy that he could fulfill at least that one promise.

“Why are you sitting all the way back here?” Ed asked, walking up to Brandon.

“What's up, Ed?” he said, looking at the white linen pants and shirt he wore with a lavender scarf draped around his neck. Ed looked like a bride himself in his outfit.

“We're ready to get started, and I need you in director mode. I want to start in five.”

Brandon exhaled hard. The moment that he had been dreading was finally here. “No problem.”

“I'll have Gabby go get the girls,” Ed said, turning and scurrying away, his long lavender scarf floating on the breeze behind him.

Brandon went to his designated position, put on his headset and cued the crew, making sure everyone was in place and ready to shoot. From his position near the altar, but out of the camera's frame, Brandon watched Erick and the minister walk onto the gazebo, which was an indication they were ready to begin.

“Okay, everyone. Ready in five, four, three, two, one. Action!” Brandon announced into his microphone.

On cue, out came Trista in a lavender halter dress, carrying a bouquet of white and lavender flowers. Brooke followed behind Trista, also wearing lavender, but her dress was sleeveless. Next was a tiny flower girl also in lavender. She tossed out white rose petals as she walked slowly up the aisle. Petra was a no-show. Brandon figured that she probably didn't want any part in Saturday's wedding.

Once the bridal party had made their way to the altar, the harpist stopped and the bridal march began. Everyone rose to their feet in honor of the bride.

Brandon watched Ayana glide down the aisle in a gorgeous white beaded gown. She looked like a traditional bride with layers of tulle covering her face. His mouth became dry, and his palms began sweating more and more the closer she got to the altar.

Oh, shit, this is really happening.
He wanted to voice his objection before the minister had a chance to ask if anyone had “just cause” to stop the wedding. Brandon took a deep breath. But this was Ayana's choice and there was nothing he could do about it.

When she reached the altar, the music stopped and the minister began speaking.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage between this man and this woman.”

Brandon tuned out the minister's words. Once the minister reached the vow part of the ceremony, a few words caught Brandon's attention, bringing him out of his zone and back to reality. He couldn't believe his ears.
This must be some kind of mistake!
Brandon listened as the minister asked them to repeat after him, and he then watched as they slipped platinum bands on each other's fingers.

“...By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

A lump caught in Brandon's throat as he watched Erick lift her veil.

Erick then kissed his new bride, Petra, on the lips, as the audience clapped. The happy couple then turned around and walked arm in arm down the aisle.

Brandon was dumbfounded. A million questions ran through his head, but most important, where was Ayana?

Once Erick and Petra disappeared inside the hotel, Brandon yelled, “Cut!” He took his headset off and raced toward the front of the hotel. He had to find Ayana and fast. He didn't know what had happened, but he planned on finding out.

Chapter 29

B
randon searched the main floor of the hotel but didn't see Ayana anywhere. He hurried to the front desk and asked the clerk to call up to Ayana's room. He tapped his fingers on the counter while he waited.

“Sorry, sir, there was no answer.”

“What's her room number? I can go and see if she's upstairs.”

“Sorry, sir, we can't give out the room numbers of our guests.”

“But it's urgent that I see her,” he said with panic in his voice.

“I'm very sorry, but it's against hotel policy to give out room numbers.”

Brandon sighed. He took out his cell phone and called Ayana, but his call went to her voice mail. “Hey, it's me. Please call me as soon as you get this message.” He didn't know what else to do. He was dying to talk to Ayana. First, he wanted to make sure she was okay, and second, he wanted to know the reason she hadn't gone through with the wedding.

Since he couldn't find Ayana, he went in search of Ed, who was no doubt behind switching brides at the twelfth hour. Brandon bolted through the doors of the Grand Ballroom, where the reception was being held, and made his way through the throng of people milling about drinking champagne and eating hors d'oeuvres.

“Where the hell have you been?” Ed asked, rushing up to Brandon. “We should have already started taping this reception. I spent good money to have the entire event filmed, not just the wedding.”

“Speaking of...what happened to Ayana?” Brandon asked, totally ignoring Ed's comment.

“Ayana?” A shocked expression appeared on Ed's face. “How do you know her real name?”

“Answer my question first. Where is she?”

Ed waved his manicured hand in the air. “I don't have time to waste talking about her. Get your headset on and direct this reception. You are still under contract, remember?”

Brandon really wanted to tell Ed to shove his contract, but he didn't want to walk off the set on the last day of filming. He was a professional and didn't want the word getting out that he had abandoned a show. Brandon turned his back to Ed and went over to the cordoned-off area that was set up for the crew. He put on his headset and went into action.

The reception was a lavish affair, from a Moët & Chandon champagne fountain, to freshly caught seafood, to delicious Jamaican fare. There was a deejay and one of the island's most popular reggae bands. Brandon could hardly concentrate on his job. His mind was intent on finding Ayana. She was somewhere on the island, but where?

“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Brooke asked, walking up to him with two glasses in her hands.

“No, thank you. I'm working.”

“So am I,” she said, taking a sip.

“Our jobs are totally different. You're paid to party, and I'm paid to direct the party,” he said without making eye contact.

“Why are you so mean to me?” she asked, looking wounded.

Brandon turned and looked at her. “Brooke, I'm not trying to be mean. I'm in love with someone else, and I don't want to lead you on.”

“I get it. I was in love once, and it's a beautiful thing when two people are on the same page.”

Brandon listened to her words and only hoped that Ayana still felt the way he did. A lot had changed since they had left Jamaica. Brandon just hoped it wasn't too late to win her back. “Yes, love can be beautiful.”

“Well, I wish you and your lady, whoever she is, good luck,” Brooke said and walked away.

“Hey, Brooke,” Brandon called after her.

She turned around and came back. “Yes, Brandon?”

“Have you seen Aya...uh...Saturday?”

“I saw her earlier with her bags. She was outside of the hotel getting ready to board a bus. I guess Ed fired her—she left. I don't really know for sure.”

“Fired?”

“That's the word going around. I, for one, am glad to see her go.”

“Thanks, Brooke,” he said, ignoring her last comment.

Shortly after the reception was over, and the cameras had stopped rolling, Ed thanked the cast and crew for a great season. Brandon immediately rushed back to the front desk.

“What time does the last bus leave for Negril?” he asked the clerk. Brandon had a good suspicion that Ayana had gone home. Whatever had happened to prevent her from going through with the wedding must have been serious. He reasoned that she probably wanted to leave Montego Bay for the comfort of her parents' home.

“Sorry, sir, but the last bus left an hour ago.”

“Are there any rental-car companies in the area?” Although the road to Negril was long, winding and dark, Brandon was willing to travel during the night to get the woman he loved.

“All of the rental-car places are closed for the evening.”

Brandon slumped against the counter. He was out of ideas. The only thing he could do now was wait until morning. He asked what time the first bus to Negril departed in the morning, then thanked the clerk and went to his room.

Sleep escaped Brandon as he tossed and turned. His mind wouldn't let him rest. He kept thinking about Ayana and how he hadn't given her a chance to explain.

Brandon was up with the sun. He quickly packed. It was still too early to go downstairs and board the bus, so he called Ayana, hoping this time she would pick up.

Her cell phone didn't ring. It went right to voice mail.

“Hey, baby, it's me again. Where are you? Please call me back as soon as you get this message.” Brandon was really beginning to panic. Maybe Ayana had fallen ill. Brandon sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. He was racked with worry and guilt.

An hour later, he was on the bus headed to Negril. The ride was long and bumpy. The bus driver wove through the winding roads at a breakneck pace, as if the bus were on rails. Brandon was thankful for the accelerated speed. He couldn't get to Negril fast enough. He was a man on a mission. When they finally reached the town, he asked the driver to let him off at the first hotel stop. Brandon then caught a taxi to take him to Ayana's parents' house.

As Brandon sat in the backseat of the taxi, his heart raced. He was moments from possibly seeing Ayana, and he could hardly wait. He had so much to say to her, but most important, he wanted to apologize for acting like a jerk. Had he listened to her in the first place, he wouldn't be racing all over Jamaica trying to find the love of his life. When they reached the house, he asked the driver to wait while he rang the doorbell.

After a few seconds that seemed like hours, the front door opened.

“Hi, Mrs. Tosh. How are you? I'm Brandon, a friend of Ayana's,” he said, his words rushing out.

The older lady surveyed Brandon from head to toe and began to smile. “Yes, chile, I remember ya.”

“Is Ayana home?”

“No, chile, she not here.”

His heart sank. “Do you know where she is?”

“No, chile. Her left here early dis mornin'.”

“Oh, okay. Can you tell her I stopped by?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks,” he said and went back to the taxi. Although she wasn't at home, he was relieved to know that she wasn't lying in bed sick and was at least still on the island. Brandon asked the driver to take him to New Beginnings.

The shelter was busy as usual with children running and playing in the front yard. Brandon walked through the front door and went to Marigold's office. His sister-in-law was behind the desk doing paperwork.

“Hey, sis,” he said.

Marigold looked up. “Oh, me word! Whacha doin' here? Me thought ya were back in New York.”

He leaned across the desk and gave her a hug. “I'm here for work. Uh...have you seen Ayana?”

“Ana?” She smiled. “No, I haven't seen her. Whacha want wit Ana? Thought ya said ya were here for work. Ya sweet on dat gurl, aren't ya?” Marigold asked, cutting right to the chase.

Brandon nodded his head. “Yes, I am.”

“Me knew it! Me could see dat when ya two were here last time. Ya two were lookin' at each other da way me and James used to. Me glad ya finally found da one.”

“Me, too.”
I just hope it's not too late,
he thought. “Well, if she comes by, can you tell her to call me?”

“No problem. Ya staying at the bungalow?”

“Yes.” He planned on staying on the island until he found Ayana.

Brandon kissed his sister-in-law goodbye. He then headed back toward the taxi. Once he got in, he sat and thought for a moment.

“Where to now, mon?” The driver interrupted his thoughts.

Brandon wanted to go to the bungalow and get his brother's car so that he could do a thorough search of the island. He gave the driver the address, then sat back and gazed out the open window. As he looked at the beautiful countryside with its lush landscape, he spotted a yellow Vespa whizzing by on the other side of the road. It was Ayana.

“Hey, turn around and follow that scooter!”

Brandon sat on the edge of the seat as the driver followed his instructions. Brandon's heart was racing as fast as the scooter. He had finally found her. Now he prayed that she would give him a second chance.